Real estate hotspots in France - investment property in France

Like anywhere, there are great disparities in the value of property for sale in France depending upon the region. "Hotspots" offer the best investment property in France although investors are always on the lookout for up-and-coming areas and the opportunities they offer. Real estate in France is a constantly evolving industry.

Traditional hotspots for investment property in France

UK buyers represent a significant proportion of the market for real estate in France. They own over 50,000 homes - worth in excess of £5.6 billion. This has meant a huge rise in the value of a property for sale in France. Traditionally the most popular areas amongst UK buyers has been Brittany, Normandy and Loire Valley in the north-west and Provence in the south.

Normandy, Brittany, and Aquitaine were the top performing regions for investment property in France between March 2005 and March 2006. At €234,962, Aquitaine was the most expensive of the three for real estate. Normandy was the least expensive with an average price of €168,056. However, demonstrations against Brits inflating prices in these regions has lead to a cooling of interest.

Real estate - France´s rising property prices

Real estate in France continues to rise in price meaning certain areas can almost be ruled out for prospective investment property in France. Paris contains the most expensive property for sale in France, but as a result, prices are now rising at a slower rate than other cities and even falling for some types of property.

Although the market has slowed down slightly over the past couple of years, good rates of capital growth are still predicted in most areas.

Prospective investment areas with property for sale in France

Overseas buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to find bargain property for sale in France´s coastal and southern regions. The focus of real estate in France is shifting inland due to lower prices and regional airports offering budget flights.

Limousin experienced a price increase of 22% last year and Poitou-Charentes 28%. However, with an average house price of €140,000 and €214,000 respectively they remain relatively affordable. The warmer climate also makes these areas attractive to buyers of investment property in France. Languedoc is showing good capital gains and is more affordable than Provence. A contributing factor has been the proximity of airports at Carcassonne and Montpellier.

There is still good value property for sale in France but it is increasingly to be found inland. The cost of real estate in France continues to rise and this has a corresponding effect on the prospects for investment property in France.